A PTA is measuring shoulder abduction using a standard goniometer. Where should the axis of the goniometer be placed?

A PTA measures a patient’s elbow flexion and records 0 to 145 degrees. Which of the following correctly describes the normal end-feel for this motion?

A PTA is working with a patient who had a left hemisphere CVA three weeks ago. The patient demonstrates right hemiplegia and expressive aphasia. When giving verbal instructions during gait training, which communication strategy is MOST appropriate?

A patient two weeks post right hemisphere CVA exhibits left-sided neglect. During ADL training, the PTA should FIRST address this by:

A PTA is monitoring a patient during a low-intensity aerobic exercise session. The patient reports an exertion level of 11 on the original 6 to 20 Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion scale. Which verbal anchor BEST corresponds to this rating?

A PTA measures a patient’s resting oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry and obtains a reading of 91 percent. Which action is MOST appropriate?

A PTA is completing a Braden Scale assessment on a patient who is bedbound following a stroke. The patient is incontinent of urine and stool, requires complete assistance with repositioning, and has no ability to feel pain anywhere on the body. Which Braden subscale score reflects the patient’s sensory perception status?

A PTA reviews the chart of a patient admitted to a skilled nursing facility. Braden Scale subscores are: sensory perception 2, moisture 2, activity 1, mobility 2, nutrition 2, friction and shear 2. What is the total score and how should the PTA interpret it?

A PTA is working with a patient who has type 1 diabetes mellitus. Before beginning a moderate-intensity aerobic exercise session, the patient’s blood glucose is 95 mg/dL. Which action is MOST appropriate?

During a therapy session, a patient with type 2 diabetes begins to complain of feeling shaky, lightheaded, and sweaty. The patient’s blood glucose is checked and reads 58 mg/dL. Which response by the PTA is MOST appropriate?

A patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) reports increased symptoms when performing supine exercises. Which position modification is MOST appropriate when this patient needs to perform abdominal strengthening?

A patient with a known hiatal hernia is participating in a cardiac rehabilitation program. Which of the following exercise modifications is MOST important to implement?

A patient reports leaking urine when she coughs, sneezes, or lifts objects. Which type of urinary incontinence does this presentation most likely represent?

A PTA is teaching a patient with stress urinary incontinence to perform pelvic floor muscle contractions. Which instruction is MOST appropriate?

A patient presents with pitting edema of the right upper extremity that resolves completely overnight with limb elevation. There is no fibrosis present. According to the International Society of Lymphology staging system, this presentation is MOST consistent with which stage?

A PTA is assessing a patient with chronic lower extremity lymphedema. The limb does not pit with pressure, the skin feels woody and indurated, and there are papillomatous changes on the dorsum of the foot. Which stage of lymphedema does this presentation represent?

A patient has been on bed rest for 5 days following abdominal surgery. The PTA is initiating early mobilization. Which cardiovascular change is MOST likely to occur when the patient first sits up at the edge of the bed?

A 70-year-old patient has been immobilized for 2 weeks after a hip fracture. The PTA notes that the patient’s resting heart rate is 100 bpm compared to a pre-admission rate of 72 bpm. Which mechanism BEST explains this finding?

A PTA is fitting a patient for a standard cane. When the patient stands upright with the cane held at the side, the grip of the cane should align with which anatomical landmark?

A patient with left-sided hemiplegia following a stroke needs a cane for community ambulation. On which side should the PTA instruct the patient to hold the cane?

A PTA is treating a patient who sustained an acute ankle sprain 6 hours ago. Which therapeutic modality is MOST appropriate to apply at this stage?

A PTA is preparing to apply an ice pack to the posterior knee of a patient recovering from a hamstring strain. Which finding in the patient’s history is a CONTRAINDICATION to this treatment?

A PTA is preparing to perform wound care on a patient with a draining leg ulcer. After donning gloves and completing the dressing change, the PTA removes the gloves. Which action should be performed immediately after glove removal?

A PTA is scheduled to treat a patient who is on contact precautions for a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) wound infection. Upon entering the room, which personal protective equipment should the PTA don before approaching the patient?

A PTA is treating a patient for low back pain under a plan of care established by the supervising PT. The patient asks the PTA to add ultrasound to the treatment session because a friend received it for a similar condition. What is the most appropriate action for the PTA?

A PTA working in a skilled nursing facility notices that a patient’s functional status has significantly declined since the last PT visit three days ago. The PT is not scheduled to reassess the patient until next week. What should the PTA do?

A PTA is searching for the strongest available evidence on whether therapeutic ultrasound reduces pain in patients with lateral epicondylalgia. Which study design provides the highest level of evidence for this question?

A researcher randomly assigns 60 patients with chronic low back pain to either a stabilization exercise group or a general exercise group, measures pain and function at 8 weeks, and compares outcomes. Which term best describes this study design?